Coping During the Holidays

During the holiday season, the Delaware County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Delco Suicide Awareness and Prevention Task Force want Veterans to know that you are in our thoughts.

While for many, the holidays can be a time of joy and celebration, for others — including some Veterans — it can be a time of sadness and isolation.

We recognize that some Veterans find it difficult to reach out for help. A helpful way to cope with the holidays is to set simple expectations for the holiday season and to understand that both positive and negative feelings may be felt during the holidays — this is NORMAL.

Here are some additional tips for coping this holiday season:

• Both positive and negative feelings can be felt around the holidays, this is normal!
• Recognize and try to reframe unrealistic expectations.
• Getting out and around others can help put you in a positive mood. Consider volunteering for a non-profit organization, an animal shelter, or visiting a nursing home to remember the spirit of giving.
• Surround yourself with supportive and positive people.
• Re-connect with someone you have lost touch with.
• Find opportunities to increase your natural supports during the holidays.
• Maintain a balanced healthy diet. Everything in moderation. Get plenty of rest.
• Exercise regularly.
• Go outdoors. Be active!
• Pace yourself with commitments and activities so you remain regulated.
• Remember it’s okay to say “no,” and not attend every function.
• Set priorities and budgets before the holidays. Create a calendar or "To Do List" for shopping, baking, visiting and other events.
• Give gifts that can't be bought, such as time and the sharing of memories.

Are you a Veteran in need of peer support?

Contact the Delaware County Critical Incident Stress Management Team at (610) 565-8719 — or through any 911 dispatcher.

Veterans can also call the Delaware County Mobile Crisis Team at (855) 889-7827 or dial 988 (Ext. 1).

Experiencing suicidal thoughts?

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please dial 911.

Coping During the Holidays: Tips for Veterans

The Delaware County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Delco Suicide Awareness and Prevention Task Force have collaborated to create this flyer.

Please feel free to download, print, and distribute.

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